Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars located at the back of the mouth. Most adults have four wisdom teeth, with one in each corner of the mouth – two on the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw.
The timing and manner of wisdom teeth eruption can vary from person to person. The age at which these teeth come in can be influenced by genetics, oral health, and available space in the jaw. Some individuals’ wisdom teeth emerge without issues, while others face complications.
What Age Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?
Wisdom teeth typically come in during late adolescence or early adulthood or between the ages of about 17 and 25.
Potential Impact of Wisdom Teeth on Oral Health
- Impaction – A common issue with wisdom teeth is impaction, where these teeth do not have sufficient space to fully emerge. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infection, and damage to nearby teeth.
- Misalignment – Wisdom teeth may push against adjacent molars as they come in, causing crowding and misalignment. This can result in the need for orthodontic treatment and extraction of wisdom teeth.
- Infection and Inflammation – Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them difficult to clean properly. This can lead to bacterial buildup, increasing the risk of infection and inflammation in the gums (pericoronitis).
- Cysts and Tumors – In rare cases, cysts or tumors can form around impacted wisdom teeth and potentially cause more serious oral health issues.
Treating Issues with Wisdom Teeth
To monitor the development of wisdom teeth and assess whether they pose a risk to your oral health, regular dental check-ups and x-rays are essential. If your dentist anticipates issues, they will recommend extraction to prevent complications. Wisdom teeth extraction is a common dental procedure performed to prevent discomfort, misalignment, and other oral health issues that can arise as a result of late-blooming third molars.
Wisdom Tooth Care and Extraction in Corona, CA
If you’re in the Corona area and would like to ensure the health of your wisdom teeth and that of their surrounding teeth and to determine whether wisdom tooth extraction may benefit your long-term oral health, contact dentist Dr. Lan Nguyen and the team at All Smiles Orthodontics & Children's Dentistry to schedule a consultation.